Discipleship

I don't normally post anything that others have written, but this is something that is a gift from God to help me in my quest of becoming a disiple of Jesus Christ. It's what I've been seeking for awhile. My wife sent it to me this morning (she's my angel). I sure hope it inspires others, as it has me, to become disciples of Christ and take the Holy Ghost as their guide.

Doing less – Being more
September 29, 2011 by John M. Pontius

I would like to speak to the brethren for a moment. Being a male, and being endowed with the full range of the weaknesses of guy-ness, I want to issue a call to reach further than we are.

Brethren, for many years, I took a lot of license because I was so busy, both with my profession, with the church – and with family, that I excused myself from the heavy lifting of creating profound righteousness in my own life and soul. I just figured there is only so much a mortal can do, and focused upon those things I could lay my hands, touch and turn with a wrench. I don’t want you to misunderstand – I was very active in the church, working in every way for family and home, and doing a lot of cooking, cleaning and dishes to be a good husband.

It took a tragedy in my life to realize that I was avoiding the most important thing of all. When the tragedy came, I was not prepared to call down constant revelation for the solution, to get immediate answers to my prayers, and to work miracles in my world. I was handicapped spiritually. I had been so busy doing righteous things, that I had failed to become righteous.

It was during this and subsequent crises that I began to spend hours on my knees (precious hours I usually needed for sleep) in deep, mighty, pleading prayer. It was at that time that I began to fast whenever prompted (usually during demanding times at work, when I knew it could only harm my job performance). It was then that I realized I had been “doing” the gospel, and “doing” my family, and “doing” my marriage without much inspiration or feeling. I was using the same determination to do a good job I had learned in the hayfields and corn rows of my youth, to do a good job at my adult life.

Eventually, I gave it up. I realized I could no longer “do” everything and be everything for everyone. I laid down that yoke of perfect “doing” with a broken heart, realizing I had failed, and over a period of years, I learned to take upon myself  Christ’s yoke, through obeying His voice, and to serve Him, instead of myself.

And, guess what – he told me to get up each morning and go to work, just as before. But, this time I went in His name, with his guidance, and it was a joy instead of drudgery. Jesus Christ sent me on my Church assignments, but they were guided now by revelation and power, and I felt the full joy of Christ as I served Him – where I had been serving the church, or my fellowman, or something else before.

I was a better husband, a better daddy, and a better man – but more than that, I was a disciple of Christ. I had learned to quit “doing” my life, and just walk in Christ’s driving grace, and all of these other things, things which I had laid down, things wherein I had failed to fully “do” everything I knew I must – Christ did them with my hands, and they were all done in a way that blessed everyone I touched.

Shortly after that Christ asked me to write a book about that journey – I obeyed, but with a great sense of inadequacy, but it was His work, and the book is still in print 18 years later.

I don’t even claim to have been perfect in anything, only obedient, or as obedient as my ongoing imperfections allow – but it has been enough to make my life a joy, and the things I used to “do”, His voice now leads the way to His glory, not mine.
I find I like it that way.

Brethren, my hope is only this, that we can stop “doing” so much, and “become” in Christ, men of God whose word moves mountains and raises the dead, because I suspect the time is approaching when these things must be – long before we will see them coming and have time to prepare.

If you lack a place to start, here are a few ideas:
-Stop believing you can “do” it all – because sooner or later, you will find you can’t.
-Listen carefully for the Holy Spirit to lead you, and walk with courage in that light.
-Fast every time you are prompted, no matter how hard or inconvenient it may seem.
-Pray a minimum of 20 minutes a day, and longer when prompted. Learn to pray while the Holy Spirit is guiding you. This is the gateway to miracles, angelic visitations and promised blessings.
-Open the scriptures again, and study them, search them, read them by subject, mark them, write in your journal about them, and pray over every concept. Don’t read them sequentially, from beginning to end, let the Holy Spirit show you each day where to read.

Brother John

WICKED!

As I was praying this morning it occurred to me what "wicked" means. I read in the Doctrine and Covenants the other day: "thou deliveredst up that which was sacred into the hands of a wicked man," (D&C 3:12) This was the Lord telling Joseph Smith where he went wrong in letting Martin Harris have the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon that he had translated. Martin Harris is one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon -- so how is he a "wicked man?"

From Mr. Harris' point-of-view he was only doing what he needed to do. Here a wealthy man is spending a great deal of his time with this "prophet" translating a "secret" book from "golden plates." His wife is wondering what he's up to, and doesn't believe his story. He needs some proof. Not only that, she's getting upset that he's spending his money on this "prophet" (her money too). He needs something to show her what he's doing. He reads the words of the manuscript and believes them so he assumes she would as well. "All I need is to show her what we're doing..." he begs Joseph. He felt he needed that proof so his wife would allow him to continue doing the work. However, the Lord knew otherwise.

Wickedness is simply doing what I want, instead of what the Lord wants. If I am seeking and doing my will, I am, by definition, wicked. It doesn't matter what that is. If I am feeding the hungry, giving money to the poor, or otherwise serving my fellow-men, but it isn't the will of God, rather my own desires, then I'm still a wicked man.

On the other hand, righteousness is doing the will of God. When I'm doing His righteous will, I'm righteous. A good example is Nephi, a young man who had never taken a life, who was told by the Lord to kill Laban. He didn't want to, it's wrong to kill, it's against the commandment. However, it was the will of God so it was right. Nephi was a righteous man; he said, "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7) He did the will of God in all things.

Martin Harris had to repent before the Lord would let him see the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. When he had given his own will over to the Lord, he was able to fulfill his mission to testify to the world forever that he had seen the plates, they were real, and Joseph Smith had them. (see the "Testimony of Three Witnesses" in The Book of Mormon)  In turning his will over to the Lord, he became a righteous man.

 

This makes perfect sense, but begs the question, "How do I know when I'm doing the will of God?" "How can I know if whatever I think and say and do is just my own desires?" I must repent. The sacrifice of a "broken heart and a contrite spirit" is to give up my will, and turn to the Lord. To repent of all my sins, means to have turned my will completely over to the Lord, to indeed make Him my Lord.

The beginning steps are simple:

1. Have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, that He can change my heart, and make me clean. Trust in Him, that His way is better than my own.

2. Repent of all my sins, doing only the will of God, keeping the commandments.

3. Make a covenant to serve God, doing only His will, at all times through baptism by immersion

4. Receive the Holy Ghost, which will tell me what is the will of God so I can become righteous and holy.

The way is narrow, and straight as an arrow. There is no other way -- any missing step prevents righteousness:

4. Without the Gift, or constant companionship of the Holy Ghost I cannot know the will of God and therefore could never be a righteous man.

3. Without baptism by immersion for the remission of sins I could never have the Holy Ghost.

2. Without repentance baptism is of no value because I could never have my sins remitted.

1. Without faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, I cannot repent.

I also have a mission to perform while in this tabernacle of clay; there is something that is uniquely mine to do. I will not be able to do it unless I repent of my sins and receive the Holy Ghost so that I can know the will of the Lord in all things. "All" means "all" and "all" is all "all" means. If I am ever doing my will and not the will of God, then I am still a wicked man. I will follow Jesus when He said, "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38) This is, by definition, righteousness.

Worthiness

One of the interesting traditions in the Church of Jesus Christ is the concept of worthiness. Before any ordinance is performed, priesthood conferred, ordination made, or calling advanced, the person is interviewed by someone in authority to determine if they are worthy. I have always thought this was a mere formality because nobody is ever really worthy, in the sense of deserving, to receive any blessings, callings, or gifts. This makes me wonder about what it means to be worthy.

Using the definition of "worthy" to mean, "meritorious," "deserving," or "virtuous," I don't think anyone is ever worthy of salvation, or any blessing. Jesus Christ has paid the price so how could anyone merit anything? I have felt the problem that on my own I can never be worthy of any gift from God in the sense of deserving. I cannot earn the gift of the Holy Ghost. I cannot earn gifts of the Spirit or a place in Heaven, it's impossible. Therefore, I could never be deserving of even the least blessing. This would make all blessings from God arbitrary. For this reason, the sense of being worthy to receive a blessing was an enigma to me.

However, another meaning in the Scriptures of the word "worthy" is "ready," or "prepared." These words are often used interchangeably. When I am worthy to receive knowledge, wisdom, or some gift it means I have the proper preparation to receive it. When I am worthy to go to the Temple, it means I'm prepared. Worthy for baptism means ready for baptism. The interview by the bishop or other authority is only an opportunity to review my preparation or readiness to move on to the next step on the path to Eternal Life. For me, this concept of "readiness" sheds a whole new light on the issue of worthiness.

Commandments are blessings

In the Doctrine and Covenants we read: "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated --

And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)

I think the key words here are "all" and "any." I cannot receive any blessing without keeping the law -- all blessings must be received by obeying the law upon which it is based. In other words, there are no arbitrary blessings from God. He doesn't randomly hand out blessings to those he believes are trying. If I don't keep the law, I will not get the blessing. If I keep the law, I will get the blessing. Thus, being worthy of a blessing is simply keeping the law that governs it. It's the law, then, that prepares me to receive a blessing, making me worthy to receive it.

This being true, a knowledge of the laws is the key to all blessings. When I desire a blessing, and pray to God for Him to bless me, I will be given the knowledge I need. However, in order to receive it, I must keep the law. "For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing." (Moroni 7:22) Every good thing comes from Christ. Angels are sent to minister to men, meaning to teach them about Christ, and how they can receive every blessing from God. Thus, knowledge is essential to receiving any blessing because ignorance cannot help me to be blessed. This is why "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance." (D&C 131:6)

Receiving blessings

Moroni tells us about the ordinance of baptism in the ancient Church in America. "And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it." The next part tells us what makes them worthy: "Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end." (Moroni 6:1-3)

This goes right along with the third commandment: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." (Exodus 20:7) Baptism is taking upon ourselves the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. If we are not prepared to make that commitment to "serve Him to the end" by repenting of all our sins then we should not take His name at all because it is not helpful -- it is vain, or useless -- we will not be cleansed, forgiven, or become guiltless.

Worthiness is knowledge

Being worthy to receive gifts from God, then, is as simple as learning and keeping the law that governs it. For example, if I want to be cleansed from all sin I need to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost. If I want to "open the windows of Heaven" then I need to keep the law of tithing and offerings. I have often heard those who are called to some position of authority in the Church state in front of the congregation that they are not worthy to hold an office or perform a calling, but they are willing to do what they can. The law of being worthy to do the work of the Lord is desire. In the D&C we read: "if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work." (D&C 4:3) That's all it takes! The keeping of the law makes me "worthy," or prepares me to receive the gift.

The ministering of angels is so important because angels, or servants of God, teach people the laws so we can receive blessings from God. The Scriptures also take on greater meaning and importance when we realize that the laws of God are contained in them that allow us to know how to receive blessings. By keeping the commandments of God we prepare ourselves to receive the gifts He has waiting for us. This is how we make ourselves worthy. Worthiness is as simple as repenting and obeying a well-defined law. We know we are worthy to receive any blessing from God when we are able to keep the commandment that governs the blessing.

The Seven Veils of Truth

When the famous atheist Richard Dawkins was asked what he would do if he died and found himself standing in front of God, he replied, "I would ask, 'Why did you hide so well?'" It may be that God is hidden so we would have to seek Him. Active seeking is a requirement. 

"O how... blind and impenetrable

are the understandings

of the children of men

for they will not seek wisdom!"

(Mosiah 8:20)

 

Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965) is often quoted as saying, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened."  The truth, or the knowledge of the Lord, is very effectively kept from the world so that only those who are actively seeking wisdom will find it. It is hidden, as Paul says, "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom." (1 Cor 2:7) While in our blindness we may stumble over it, nobody ever randomly stumbles upon truth because it is hidden behind seven veils.

The Veil of Paradox

First, Truth is hidden by being so different from the world that it is unexpected, or paradoxical. There are so many apparent contradictions that must be reconciled. It's hard work, and most are unwilling to make the effort. "Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory." (Isaiah 6:3) The word "holy" means "separate," or "set apart." Yet, at the same time, God is the most connected, and is in all things. God is absolutely just, and yet completely merciful. He is hidden from view, and yet open and available to all. The things of God are so completely different from those of the world that truth is often just the opposite of what we expect so we are blind to it. The Lord specifically tells us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8) We literally cannot see the truth that God is holy, and at the same time the whole earth is full of His glory. It's too paradoxical. 

The Veil of Arrival

The second way it's hidden is through multiple levels of understanding. When people receive some spiritual enlightenment they often say, "Now I understand!" They feel they have "arrived" at enlightenment and feel it is enough and quit looking for more. Enlightenment seems so all-inclusive when it is received; knowing something makes one assume he knows everything. They have all they need, all they can understand, or, really, all they want. A few delve deeper into the "mysteries," but never actually come to know God. They have a "hobby" of justifying their understanding that consumes all their efforts. Some may actually discover the "Pearl of Great Price," but are content to admire it from afar. They don't take the necessary steps to obtain it by making the required sacrifice of selling all they have to get it. Having seen it and knowing it exists, is enough, they don't actually want to possess it so it remains distant from them, completely out of reach. They have learned all they want to know; they're content, it's enough. They have arrived.

The Veil of Desire

The third level of security is that truth is hidden within a mass of "red-herrings." It is "hidden in plain sight" by being characterized with all the other "churches" that say they teach truth. There is no way to get through this barrage of error without a lot of work, and some discernment. These churches of the world filter out everyone that isn't seeking absolute truth by offering whatever else they could want. Some want to deny the existence of God altogether. Some want to believe they are gods, self-created and powerful. Others want to believe in a god of nature, making the created into the creator. Still others want to believe in a god that is like a cross between Santa Claus and Superman -- he has all power to give me what I want. Whatever a man could desire to believe is out there, readily available. These philosophies are more logical and appealing to the natural man and will coincide with his desires so those who aren't really seeking the truth will preferentially choose them.

The Veil of Distractions

The fourth obstruction to finding truth is the distractions of life. There are so many things in the world to do it's easy to procrastinate our spiritual growth. We need to work. We need to earn money. We need food, clothing and shelter. We have families to raise. We can travel. We can learn and grow in so many ways. We can spend all our time learning about the world around us that we totally neglect our own spiritual growth, God, and the truth. As the Apostle Paul explained, people are "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Tim 3:7) Moreover, the people we associate with aren't seeking growth so it's easy to fall into complacency. In short, the distractions are all the things of the world that we seek instead of God. We choose to spend our time with the world, instead of the Lord.

The Veil of Unbelief

The fifth way that God is hidden is behind many layers of doubt. The human brain is set to take in certain information and filter out whatever we don't believe. For this reason, we only see, hear, or feel what expect according to our beliefs. Our society, our family and those around us give us the foundation upon which we build our beliefs. These are "the traditions of our fathers" that bind us to what we already know and prevent us from learning new things. These beliefs are maintained through self-justification, and the truth is discredited. For example, if a prophet reveals the Word of God, people don't attack the truth that was revealed, but rather the prophet as a human with weaknesses and therefore unworthy of revealing the truth. This hides the truth that was revealed. If people don't read the words of that prophet, or don't believe that he could speak the words of God, they won't be able to find this truth. The Scriptures are also discounted based not on evidence, but rather lack thereof. People then don't know where to look for truth. Those who don't believe raise doubt, they ask, "Where's the evidence?" "How do you know Christ lived?" "It's unreasonable to believe in miracles." "Science is based on reason, religion is based on faith." "It's primitive to believe in a powerful God." Like crabs in a bucket, non-believers are constantly pulling-down any who would try to escape to find the truth.

The Veil of Physical Senses

The sixth protection from finding Truth is our own physical senses. Humans are dual beings: we have a set of senses of the spirit and a set of the physical body. The natural, or default senses that are used are those of the body. The large majority of people don't automatically see, hear, or feel their own spiritual nature because these senses must be trained, and developed over time. So, when people aren't seeking God they will automatically see only the things that are of the world. Joseph Smith explained, "Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit." (D&C 76:116) Since the things of God are holy and not discernable by the natural man, not with the eyes, ears, or feelings of the body, most people will filter it out, passing it by as if it weren't there at all. The senses of the body are so overpowering that those of the spirit are easily pushed aside. We feel "love" when we're with a person we need. We feel "peace and rest" when we are on vacation. We use the word "joy" when our child graduates from school. We feel "happy" when we hear our favorite song, or get what we want for Christmas. We "see" light, but it's only a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. We "hear" voices, but that isn't the same as hearing the word of God. We use all the same terms of seeing, hearing and feeling, which confuse many to think it is the same as the senses of the body. Thus, it's easy to assume we know and remain spiritually deaf, dumb and blind while the truth remains a mystery.

The Veil of Definitions

The seventh way Truth is protected is by how words are defined. All Scripture is written in an alien tongue. The words of God only represent the truth in a metaphorical way. There is no way for a human being to understand something he hasn't actually experienced, no matter how words are used. For example, you could use all the metaphors and descriptive terms you want to try to explain a rainbow to a person blind from birth, but he will never really understand. Likewise, we don't understand the things of the Spirit prior to experiencing them so we use metaphors. Aside from the senses, as described above, all the words of Scripture have spiritual meanings. As Steve Martin exclaimed, "Those French have a different word for everything!" No scripture is written in an Earthly language. The language of Scripture is called "The words of the prophets" or "the tongue of angels." Though we may read it in English, Latin, German and so forth, those are only "reference languages" to the language of the Spirit. For example, "mountain" always refers to a "Temple" which refers to the "house of the Lord" which is metaphorical for "Heaven," finding our bearings and getting directions "home" which also is metaphorical for "Heaven," meaning "the place where God dwells." However, even the word "place" is metaphorical. For this reason it is impossible to learn or understand the words of the prophets without the Holy Ghost. Nobody will be able to get at the truth without His help.

The Labyrinth

It's impossible to find our way through all of these veils by accident. Even if a person is trying with all his might, it is impossible to reach the door without a Guide. Yet, in reaching the door we find multiple combinations and keys preventing entry. This is better security than any bank or fortress could provide. It's truly impenetrable. Within this unsearchable labyrinth shrouded in mystery, locked inside an impenetrable vault lies the Pearl of Great Price, the Tree of Life, and all that is truth, freedom, peace, joy, love, happiness, fulfillment and rest. The door accepts only one person at a time; each must go in alone. The Holy Ghost is the one that leads us through the maze to the door of the vault of truth. "They that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived... shall abide the day." (D&C 45:57)

Those who are or have been within the walls and have understanding are forbidden from revealing what they see, hear, and feel, except for that small part that is made generally available. Alma explains, "It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him." (Alma 12:9) They can only say that they have seen, testifying that it exists and pointing the way for others to obtain it for themselves.

Why Hide the Truth?

We are here on Earth as a probation. Lehi explains that "the days of the children of men were prolonged... that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation..." (2 Nephi 2:21) God has given us a choice, and if the answers were known ahead of time there would be no choice. The terms of our probation are simple: "the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in [Christ]. And whoso believeth in [Him], and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in [Him], and is not baptized, shall be damned." (3 Nephi 11:32-34) It all starts with belief. We have to believe before we can see because one of the veils is unbelief, which hides the truth better than any other.

The truth is hidden out of mercy. God does not want His children to fail their probation and be cast out forever. He wants them to succeed and be happy. He loves His children -- all of them. Part of the reason for all the security surrounding the truth is so those who aren't interested don't learn too much, rebel and be cast out of Heaven. Because of the Great and Last Sacrifice of the Lord, Jesus Christ, we aren't responsible for anything we don't know. We may transgress the laws and will of God in ignorance and be forgiven. "And they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them." (D&C 45:54) Ignorance really is bliss!

Thus, it's extremely important to God that those who are unable, for whatever reason, to repent not learn the truth. They are then protected, and will be able to be in Heaven with a measure of glory that they are willing and able to bear. Thus, hiding the truth under so many layers and behind so many locks is a manifestation of God's mercy. He is so kind! He loves all His children! What a great Father! What an awesome God!

Charity

Charity is a word commonly used to indicate giving to those in need. The full meaning of charity refers to the gift of life given to us by our Savior. We are all in need. Jesus Christ came down from Heaven to willingly sacrifice that all may be saved. His gift is charity. What He did was charity. Charity is the love He had. He came to suffer and die that we may return to God. Moroni explains: "And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father." (Ether 12:34) Unless we possess the love of Jesus Christ, or His Atonement, we cannot be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Once we accept the suffering and death of our Lord for ourselves we can then learn to have charity for others. First we must receive charity, then we can give it. When our concern is less for ourselves and more for the salvation of others we have charity. We would do anything, suffer any pain or deprivation, and expend every effort for the salvation of one person. Everyone is a candidate for salvation, if they so desire it is theirs for the asking.

Mormon had charity for everyone. He understood the love of God. He had tasted of the goodness of the Lord. He knew the need for repentance, and what Jesus Christ had done for him, and the rest of us. At the young age of fifteen he was put in charge of an army of tens of thousands. At this same time, he began to teach his people about Jesus Christ so they might be saved, however, the Lord told him not to waste his breath because of their rebelliousness, they had rejected the word of God already.

Nephi also had charity, and explains this concept very clearly:

I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat.

I have charity for the Jew -- I say Jew, because I mean them from whence I came.

I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.

(2 Nephi 33:6-9)

Nephi starts by declaring his sure knowledge that Jesus had redeemed his soul. Then he talks about charity for his people because those who have faith in Christ will be with him. Then he says he has charity for both Jew and Gentile, that they can also be saved by obedience to Christ.

I too have felt to sing the song of redeeming love. I have charity for others because I know what Jesus Christ suffered for me -- and them. As I have come to understand what Jesus did for me, I realize that I'm not the only one. He suffered and died for every person who ever lived. That means I don't have any feelings of judgment or envy for any others, but rather I desire that they would accept the suffering and death of Jesus Christ for themselves so they won't have to suffer. I want them to be saved. This is charity. I have charity for all. I would suffer anything for any individual to come to know Him.

The process of helping others come to know Him is often long and hard. Most are heavily invested in the physical body and feelings, and have little, weak, and ignorant spirits. To nourish the spirit back to health requires time and effort. For example, if someone is lying in bed for years with little nourishment, they will be weak in body which would require time and effort to overcome. The spirit is no different. Longsuffering is required to nurse a spirit back to health. However, if the weak person doesn't desire to be strong, there is no way to force them just as the body will not get muscles without a person making the effort.

The greatest poetry in all of scripture comes from the Apostle Paul regarding charity:

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Those who know the Lord, and have tasted of His goodness possess these qualities because they know what the Lord did for them. As I have come to understand what salvation means I find it easy to be longsuffering, kind, and unselfish. I see everyone as a child of God with the potential to be part of Him through the merits of Jesus Christ. I feel sorry for those who wander aimlessly in life, not knowing their full potential, without hope of a glorious resurrection. It doesn't matter if one is rich or poor, male or female, in bondage or free, all that matters is their knowledge of, and commitment to, Christ. On the other hand, I feel joy for all those who know our Redeemer.

My greatest desire is to give to others what I have, to teach them what I know, that they may love the Lord as I do, that they may also have hope, joy, peace -- and charity.

A witness of the heart

Yesterday I went to the crafts store and to Trader Joe's in Santa Maria. I was by myself because Charly wanted to stay and have dinner with her friends at Bella's house. Driving there, I was thinking about the business, both my medical practice and the business I was going to do in Santa Maria. However, when I was done, I just drove home. I was singing in my head Reverently and Meekly Now (Hymn 185), and when I got to the part, "With my blood that dripped like rain, Sweat in agony of pain..." I could see the Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, suffering Eternal torment. He came out to His sleeping apostles and, still in pain gave Peter a gentle rebuke, "...could ye not watch with me one hour?" But they kept sleeping; He was alone. He went back and asked that He not have to suffer. But he did, sweating blood. I could see His suffering.

I felt so much compassion for Him, I wanted to cry. He did suffer damnation and Eternal suffering. This is so bad that nobody even knows how bad it is, as recorded in D&C section 76:

"And the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows;

Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof;
Nevertheless, I, the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again;
Wherefore,the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation." (D&C 76:45-48)
We may think we suffer pain, deprivation, a broken heart, or misery of any kind, but comparing this to Eternal torment is like comparing a candle to the Sun. There is nothing on Earth to compare to what Christ suffered.

Nobody knows how bad it really is, but He knows. He went there. He knows "the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof." He was there. He records it himself: "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit -- and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink..." (D&C 19:18) He didn't want to do it, but He humbly submitted to the will of the Father in all things from the beginning. 

I've known this for a long time -- in my head -- but this is the first time I have felt it in my heart. I love the Lord. I am so grateful to Him for finishing His work, for suffering the will of the Father, for taking upon Himself my sins, my pain, my suffering. I know that would be me -- I would be in Perdition, suffering for all Eternity with the Devil and his angels. But, as it is, I will never know the results of my sins and transgressions because He suffered all these things for me, so I don't have to. I thank and praise Him for His mercy, grace, and charity towards me. I will do all He asks because I love Him. I love Him because He loved me first! I am so grateful that He has given me a heart that can feel compassion for His suffering. I feel, and I know.

I am a witness of Him. I know He paid the price for my sins, as well as the sins of all mankind. Everyone needs to know this! If they don't, they will have to suffer. All are doomed if they don't believe in Him and accept His sacrifice for them. "If they would not repent they must suffer even as I..." (D&C 19:17) There is only one way out of this pain: repent! Turn to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. He is quick to forgive. It's so easy, anyone and everyone can do it. There is nothing else. Whatever else you do is less important than putting your trust in the Lord. There is no pain on Earth to compare to what we will have to suffer if we don't turn to Him. Believe me! I adjure everyone to believe in Jesus Christ, repent of all your sins, and be baptized in His name for the remission of sins. I feel there is an urgent need, for the end is near wherein no man can work, and it becomes everlastingly too late. Don't put it off! Do it, NOW! This is important, the most important thing in the whole world!

 

It's going to be the best Christmas ever, as I celebrate the birth of Him who has loved so much, who offers His gift to all.

The Best of the BEST

The Bishop was at our house a short time ago.  We talked about a "burning in the bosom," the feeling of joy, and peace, and love. Micah Ashby spoke up and said, "that's what I feel when I finish a cross-country race!" He went on to describe how good it felt, especially when he beats his previous time. "It feels so good!"

A recent study on meditation showed that with twenty minutes of instruction people could be taught how to meditate to relieve chronic pain as well as taking narcotic pain medication. Most people who take pain pills find that they don't completely relieve the pain, but rather mask it temporarily, "It still hurts, but I can tolerate it with the drugs," is the typical response. Meditation can do the same thing.

I have many patients with diabetes who want drugs to control their blood sugar. I try to explain how they can change what they eat, and their exercise, and reverse the disease altogether, but they say that's too hard. It's easier to take a pill. The drugs work, sort of, but never really make them normal, and cause many side-effects such as lack of energy, and heart-attacks. Controlling blood sugar with diet is better.

There are many ways to get, at least partially, the same effect. When we choose the ways of the world to achieve an end, we can get close, but we never really get satisfaction. It seems like it should be enough, but never really is. The drugs and all chemical means of making us feel better are limited either as to effects, or to time -- they may work for a time, and then quit working. The diabetic may be controlled by the chemicals, but he can never be cured, and will always get worse.

As good as it gets

The physical and chemical means of feeling good are limited. Once we try them, and they work, we feel better immediately. We want that effect to last, or to be just a little better so we can rest. A little more alcohol, a little more sex, a little more food, or a little more of the drug seems like it should satisfy, but in reality that is all there is -- that's as good as it gets! We can never reach the highest high, or the plateau where rest can be achieved so we continually search for more.

The largest reason why we cannot find satisfaction in the senses of the body is because that is not where the problem lies. We yearn for a connection with God, our Heavenly Father, but cannot understand that hunger. Many try to fill it with food. They eat incessantly and gain lots of fat. It feels almost like a little more food would fill their hunger, and, in fact, it seems to relieve it for a time. However, the feeling returns, and they go on to eat more.

Feelings are fickle. When we understand why we feel we can do something about it. However, most of the time the cause of our feelings is obscured by our senses. Touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing are so overwhelming to the quiet, soft, gentle whisper of the feelings of the spirit that we completely miss them. If we remain oblivious to our inner feelings, we will never find satisfaction in the things of the world.

The best of the best.

Peace, joy, happiness, and satisfaction only come from one source -- a connection with our Creator -- and this only happens through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- there is no other way. All the other ways touted by people lead to "lives of quiet desperation," depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Many say they are satisfied, and may be for a time, because they don't know anything better. They feel that, this is as good as it gets, and live with it. They learn to accept what is, no longer hoping for fulfilling joy and happiness.

I have lived a life of two-dimensions, without passions, just going along in the best way I knew how. I had satisfaction in things I did, but my life was a series of pictures, drawings, photographs, maps, spreadsheets, blueprints, and other two-dimensional objects. I knew there must be more, I wanted more, but I didn't even know what "more" meant. I don't think human beings can understand anything they haven't experienced. Even the "connections" I had with my wife and children were two-dimensional. I didn't know how to be in that third dimension because I had never experienced it -- and they couldn't show me because they hadn't either.

The third dimension is the heart, feelings, and spiritual understanding. These are things that are not understood with words, they can only be experienced. They are experienced as we seek for them. Karyn has been my angel of mercy, bringing me the third-dimension of love. I feel it for the first time. When she isn't there, I feel like something is missing. The word "miss" no longer has a two-dimensional meaning -- I feel it. And, because I feel it with her, I can feel it in other ways. I miss my Father in Heaven. I feel my need to be close to the Lord.

Joy is found in connecting the body with the spirit. This comes from a connection with God. Those who haven't felt it just remain ignorant and can lull themselves into thinking there is nothing more.

Those who only feel the senses of the body will never know the best of the best -- the feelings of the Spirit, or the feelings of God.

Those who have sexual relations to gratify their natural desires will never know the joy and love of real human intimacy.

Those who seek security in wealth will never know the Rock of peace and rest.

Those who eat for comfort will never be comforted.

Those who use legal or illegal drugs to feel good will never know happiness.

Those who are only seeking information will never know wisdom.

All of these will know pain and suffering as they must stop them at some point and have nothing. If they wait until the end they will "cold-turkey" off of everything at death -- and really be miserable. Whereas, those who have made a connection with God just continue to feel the peace, love, joy, and comfort that they have always felt in the Spirit.

Connection

Making the connection is simple, but very difficult. It requires changing from our physical world into a spiritual world. It requires constant prayer, and the sacrifice of all things. The Rich Young Ruler said he kept all the commandments, and then asked Jesus what he lacked to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus replied, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor." (Matthew 19:21) Likewise Jesus gave a parable of the Pearl of Great Price. A man who was seeking pearls, "when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." (Matthew 13:46)

The price is all you have, or everything of the world. "All" means "all," and "all" is all "all" means. This means that we cannot hold back even a few pennies for ourselves -- or we die. Peter explains graphically when "a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price..." (Acts 5:1-2) Both died at Peter's feet, telling us the consequence of holding something back. You must give up all your food to be healthy. You must give up all your money to be wealthy. You must give up all your love to find charity. You must give up all your learning to find wisdom. In short, you must give up the lesser to find the greater. Having the best requires a sacrifice of all that is second-best.

Fasting from the feelings of the body helps us to feel the things of the spirit. These are the sacrifices we make to subdue the feelings of the body so we can make a connection with our spirits. Fasting from food is an essential part of that -- everyone can fast for spiritual strength. The other things we fast from would include all those things we have found that we like because they relieve our pain or give us comfort. These might include medications, cars, vitamins, sex, tobacco, money, drugs, sports, houses, alcohol, lands, and so forth. All the things that we like of the world must be sacrificed in order to connect with the Infinite.

 

Finding the best of the best is the goal of every person who is a child of God. And that means all. Through the Lord, Jesus Christ, we can have the greatest peace, joy, happiness, comfort, love, and connection available in the entire Universe! Anything else, drugs, sex, food, money, learning and so forth, is just less.   Micah Ashby may feel good about finishing a race, but it isn't anywhere near the feeling of joy from the Lord.  Almost getting there isn't the same as being there.